Diagnostic Scientist - Optics and Lasers

Tokamak Energy (TE) has designed, constructed and operated ST40, the world’s highest field spherical tokamak. The measurement of electron temperature and density profiles using the Thomson scattering (TS) system is fundamental to achieving the ambitious scientific mission of ST40.

The TS system is going to receive a number of important upgrades over the next year, and the successful candidate will primarily act as Project Lead for one or more predefined TS system upgrades in support of the upcoming ST40 campaign, requiring knowledge of pulsed laser systems, optics, optical design, optomechanical systems, EM detectors, data acquisition systems, data processing and scientific data analysis. Work will be carried out under the guidance of the system Responsible Officer to ensure that project outcomes align with overall system and programme requirements. Periodically, the successful candidate will be required to support running and maintenance of the Class 4 Thomson scattering laser, laser beamline alignment and beamline equipment testing and they will participate in ST40 experimental campaigns in the role of Thomson scattering operator.  The successful candidate may also have the opportunity to contribute to other diagnostics projects to support ST40 experimental campaigns and other TE programmes.

This role sits within the Diagnostics, Data and Control (DDC) department of TE. The team brings together scientists and engineers representing multiple specialties involved in measuring characteristics of a fusion plasma and making use of these to support the operation of a Tokamak. These include diagnostics design, data processing, analysis and plasma control. The team also has dedicated Project Management support to help integrate the numerous tasks with the larger ST40 team. This role will sit under the Laser and Microwave group.

In this role, you will:

• Lead TS upgrade projects in support of the ST40 programme, including;
• design, procurement, testing and installation of system hardware
• performing calibrations and analysis of calibration data, modification, testing and validation of system specific python software/scripts
• integration of subsystems with the pulse orchestration system
• Ensure that assigned TS subsystems are available and operating correctly for ST40 experimental campaigns and participate in ST40 experimental campaigns in the role of TS operator
• Support other aspects of TS work as required, for example periodically support running and maintenance of the Class 4 laser, laser beamline hardware and software
• Undertake Laser Safety training in line with the company policy and contribute to keeping TS system Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures up to date
• Work in close collaboration with other groups and other members of the DDC team as required to deliver the assigned projects (e.g. LabVIEW team, Technical Engineering Group, Electrical Systems, Design Team)
• Contribute to other projects within the DDC department, particularly working on other laser-based diagnostics systems, and on other priority projects relevant to company milestones.

Essential

• Masters or PhD level education in Experimental Physics, or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of optics and experience working with optical systems
• Experience working with Artificial Optical Radiation, specifically Class 3B or Class 4 lasers
• Experience working with electromagnetic detectors (e.g. photodiodes, PSDs, scientific cameras)
• Experience in experimental system design and development including the design of devices or prototypes that operate in complex environments
• Experience programming in Python (or similar) for data analysis or control
• Excellent collaboration and team working skills
• Excellent planning, organisational and communication skills

• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and 3 festive days to be used between Christmas and the New Year)

• Company pension scheme
• Eligible for company share option scheme
• Company bonus scheme, discretionary, dependant on performance
• A range of financial benefits including death in service and critical illness cover
• Cycle to work scheme

Important information for candidates

Pre-employment screening

Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work, proof of identity and references.

Data privacy

Please note that any personal data submitted to Tokamak Energy as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation, for more information regarding GDPR please see:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation

Equality of opportunity

Entry into employment with the Tokamak Energy and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Working arrangements

Please note, due to the nature of work for role 100% onsite working is required and hybrid working is not currently an option.

Part time working or job share options will be reviewed on an individual basis.